You may have heard recently about Ethan Couch, a 16-year old teenager from a wealthy family who stole beer, got drunk, and had a drunk driving accident. He was driving close to 70 miles-per-hour. He hit and killed four people who standing on the side of the road, and injured nine others.

His parents wanted the Court to send their son to a treatment facility in Newport Beach that had “equine therapy.” They reasoned that the accident was their fault. After all, they had allowed their son to start driving when he was 13. They also given him everything he had ever wanted. Obviously, with this incident, they learned their lesson. (That is sarcasm for those who might not recognize it.)

The defense’s psychologist expert witness who testified at trial in support of this young man recommended that the youth should be treated rather than jailed. The expert opined that this 16-year old suffered from “affluenza.” No, this is not a genuine psychological affliction.

The prosecution’s response was that the juvenile justice system also provides therapy. At least everyone agrees that this young man needs counseling and therapy.

It comes as no surprise that this young man has been in trouble before with the police without consequences from the law or his parents. For this drunk driving incident, this young man could have received a twenty year jail sentence. The Judge, the Hon. Jean Boyd, sentenced him to ten years of probation. -CCE